FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF THERMO-ELASTIC COUPLING CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTOMOTIVE DRUM BRAKE

A finite element simulation method for thermo-elastic coupling problems including frictional contact during operation process of automotive shoe-drum brake was studied. The thermo-elastic coupling finite element analysis methods for friction-induced heat transfer, contact problem and deformation of structures under multi-physical conditions were discussed, and the numerical simulation methods were also introduced. Then, a three-dimensional finite element model of a new type shoe-drum brake was built with finite element analysis tool ADINA, with displacement and thermal boundary conditions given. The material models and loading process were set up, and a typical cyclic braking mode was defined. A finite element analysis procedure for the thermo-mechanical coupling simulation of the brake is implemented. The numerical results include the contact forces between the friction pair and the drum's transient temperature distribution, von Mises stress distribution and deformation.